Room for Murder - Tim Myers [3]
Alex shook his head in reply. “No Sir, it’s not going to happen.” He looked all around for Elise, and Alex finally spotted her greeting folks on their way into the newly rebuilt Dual Keepers’ Quarters. That was where he belonged, by her side, instead of up there making speeches, however brief. Alex was an innkeeper, like his father before him, and his father before him, and he was proud to be one. Let the politicians have the limelight; they were welcome to it. The only light he wanted was the one he had, perched atop the lighthouse.
As Alex started off the stage, Tracy stopped him. “Alex, thanks again for letting me speak here today. I need all the exposure I can get.”
He smiled. “You’re very welcome. How’s the campaign going?”
She looked a little frazzled around the edges. “I’m definitely the underdog, so it’s a lot harder than I thought it would be. He’s making it even worse.” Tracy added the last jab as she stared heatedly at her ex-husband, standing off to one side in a whispered conference with Oxford.
Alex said, “Don’t look at it that way, Tracy. Just think how sweet it will be when you beat him.”
“Do you really think I’ve got a chance?” she asked.
“Hey, I’m voting for you,” Alex said.
Just then Oxford’s booming voice sounded in his ear. “I hope you give me the opportunity to change your mind, Alex.”
Alex grinned. “You can try, but I won’t make any promises.”
Oxford returned the smile. “Then you wouldn’t go far in politics, my friend.” The big man turned his attention to Tracy, automatically tucking his thumbs back under his suspenders. “That was a wonderful speech, Ma’am. I had to stop myself from jumping up and applauding myself.”
She said sweetly, “If you want to concede now, Oxford, we can save Elkton Falls the trouble of holding the election.”
Oxford’s smile dimmed a bit, though he could clearly see that Tracy was teasing. He said, “Come now, what fun would that be? I think we’re all looking forward to the battle ahead. Now if you two will excuse me, I’ve got some meeting and greeting to do.”
Tracy followed closely on his heels. “Not without me, you don’t.”
Alex was surprised to find Mor and Emma standing so close to the chamber group when he got inside. They were obviously hovering there for some reason. He walked over to Elise, pointed to their friends, and asked, “What’s going on?”
“It’s a surprise. I told them they could make a little announcement of their own today. I hope that’s all right, Alex.”
“You run this place, too, Elise. You can do whatever you like.” Alex was a little hurt that Mor hadn’t asked him for permission himself, and Elise must have sensed it.
She explained, “Emma’s been planning this for a week. Mor just found out himself.”
“So what’s going on?”
The musicians stopped, and Elise whispered, “Wait and see.
As the group took a break, Mor said loudly, “If I can have your attention, there’s something I’d like to say.”
Everyone stopped talking and turned to the big man. Alex could see the flush rising on his friend’s face. He was no more comfortable talking in front of a crowd than Alex was.
Once Mor had everyone’s attention, he said, “Emma and I wanted to share this with everyone. We’re getting married.” There was more robust applause for Mor’s announcement than there’d been for any of the politicians earlier. Mor added, “As a matter of fact, the nuptials will be here, if Alex will have us.”
Alex smiled broadly from across the room. “Try to have your wedding anywhere else. Just tell me when.”
“One month from today, and everyone’s invited to the party,” Mor said as the crowd roared again. As people filed past them offering their congratulations, Alex tapped Elise on the shoulder. He asked, “So you’ve known about this for a week?”
Elise grinned. “Are you kidding? I’m the maid of honor.”
Alex said, “I don’t even know which side of the aisle I’m supposed to sit on.”
Elise started to say something when Mor joined them. “Alex, got a second?”
“Sure thing. Congratulations.” He slapped the big man on the back.
“Thanks.